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- Veterans Day
Saturday, April 20, 2024
“Have a goal in life that is beyond yourself, have something big….and embrace that,” is the advice United States Navy Veteran Bob “Xfeed” Watson would have given his younger self after over two decades of service.
Watson, who is a Southlake resident, served in the armed forces for 24 years.
He earned his name “Xfeed,” pronounced as “Crossfeed” early in his pilot career when he attempted to balance the fuel tanks.
“I was going to be a good co-pilot and balance the fuel tanks while the aircraft commander was taking a restroom break. Well, I forgot it, didn’t tell anyone, and we got out of balance,” said Watson. “Eventually I had to admit it to the whole squadron and write a story for our safety magazine, etc. Ever since “Crossfeed” was my Navy Call sign.”
Call Signs are used as unique identifiers to military communications. “It’s used on the radio so other pilots know who they are talking to,” Watson said.
Before he earned his stripes with a decorated military career, Watson was a young boy who just wanted to fly.
“I wanted to fly airplanes; I decided it when I was in high school, that is what I wanted to do,” Watson said.
He enrolled in the United States Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut in 1973 and graduated in May of 1977.
Bob “Xfeed” Watson in Chase Hall 1974
At the time, graduating officers were required to complete at least one year of sea duty before applying for flight school.
Upon graduating, Watson reported for duty as a Deck Watch Officer on the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Duane (WHEC-33) homeported in Portland, ME.
USCGC Duane
The ship was a 327-foot long high endurance cutter and had a 5-inch/38-gun mount as its main armament. It was also named after William J. Duane, who served as the third Secretary of the Treasury under President Andrew Jackson.
The ship was used mainly for search and rescue (SAR), fisheries, and law enforcement patrols by the Coast Guard.
The Coast Guard had acquired the ship from the U.S. Navy after WWII where it served as a destroyer escort on convey duty in the North Atlantic.
He qualified as an Officer of the Deck (OOD) and served as a Gunnery Officer and Combat Information Center (CIC) Officer.
Watson noted that he learned so much about the ocean and the sea while he was out on patrol.
“We would go on long patrols for about five weeks at a time,” Watson said.
He also experienced waves that measured 60-feet high on one SAR mission.
The ship/USCGC Duane was decommissioned shortly after Watson left in 1979. The ship was sunk as an artificial reef off Key Largo in Florida in 1987 and serves as a habitat for fish.
Watson still held onto to his dream of one day flying high in the sky. His application for flight training was accepted and after one year and five months on Duane, he reported for Naval Flight Training in Pensacola, Fl and then Corpus Christi, TX.
He did well in flight training and earned his “wings of gold” in January 1980. “I did my jobs to the best of my ability and always made my promotions,” said Watson.
He was then assigned to USCG Air Station in Sacramento, CA. He qualified as a HC-130 Aircraft Commander and Instructor Pilot to fly long range patrols and SAR missions. “The HC-130 is the Coast Guard version of the venerable C-130. A large 4 engine turboprop transport, which is flown by all branches of the U.S. military,” said Watson.
He gained over 1,000 flying hours in the “HERC” as it was called. While at Sacramento he transitioned to a new Coast Guard Aircraft the HU-25A Falcon Fanjet. It was a medium range fast response SAR aircraft.
In 1984, he was assigned to the USCG Air Station in San Diego, CA, to introduce the new Falcon jets to the area and train new pilots.
Bob “Xfeed” Watson in San Diego
After four years in the academy, and 10 years on active duty, Watson, resigned his commission from active duty in the U.S. Coast Guard in May 1987 and entered the U.S. Coast Guard Reserves.
At the same time Watson took on full time work as a pilot for Delta Air Lines. He was assigned to the Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) Pilot Base. The Coast Guard did not have reserve units in DFW so Watson did an inter-service transfer to the U.S. Navy and joined VR-59 at NAS Dallas, TX flying the C-9B performing worldwide logistic support missions for the U.S. Navy fleet. He would stay in that squadron for 10 years until his retirement from military service.
Delta Pilots mobilized with V-59 for Gulf War, Bob “Xfeed” Watson, 4th from right
During this time, Desert Storm (1990-1991) had taken place and Watson’s squadron was mobilized and recalled to active duty.
“My squadron was mobilized to be used by the Air Force for transport,” said Watson. “We moved troops and gear from Europe into the combat theater for the first month. During the second month, we hauled bombs to the B52’s and on the last month, we were taking people back home.”
Watson added, “I knew this was serious when we got issued gas masks and completed the associated training, including how to recognize different agents and then pick the right needle to stab your leg with.”
His squadron was based at Bitburg Air Force Base in Germany and mobilized for a total of 90 days.
After returning home to NAS Dallas in April of 1991 he continued with VR-59. The squadron moved to the Naval Air Station (NAS) in Fort Worth, TX now known was the NAS Forth Worth Joint Reserve Base (JRB) base when NAS Dallas was closed in 1994. It still operates there today.
Watson retired from Naval service and VR-59 in August 1997 as a Commander. He continued to work full time as a pilot with Delta Air Lines.
After the September 11 attacks, Watson participated in a volunteer program to become a Federal Flight Deck Officer (FFDO) where the TSA deputizes qualified volunteer pilots on passenger and cargo aircraft as law enforcement officers to defend the flight deck against acts of criminal violence or air piracy. Watson said, “I’m not gonna let them do that again on my aircraft.”
After 33-years of working for Delta Airlines, He retired at the age of 65 in July 2020.
He is now residing in Southlake where he enjoys activities at the Southlake Senior Center.
Southlake salutes, Robert “Xfeed” Watson. Thank you for your service.
Bob “Xfeed” Watson, Veteran
If you’re a Veteran and are interested in our Veterans Program, we would love to hear from you. Please visit our Veterans Program webpage for more information.
Photo Collage, Bob “Xfeed” Watson
The endeavor of public service isn’t limited to those employed in the public sector. It takes every single one of us working together for the benefit of those around us.
The Southlake value of volunteerism unites us with energy and passion to serve the community we live, work and play in. In recognition of Veterans Day, the City of Southlake proudly salutes those who served in the U.S. military and are still proudly serving their community.
Southlake resident Milan Georgia was recognized with the Congressional Veteran Commendation for the 24th District of Texas from U.S. Rep. Beth Van Duyne during the November 2 City Council meeting.
He served in the U.S. Army for over five years during the Vietnam War. The Army recognized his years of service with the Army Aviator Badge, Bronze Star Medal, and a Purple Heart.
“We moved here in 1995 and jumped right in to help make Southlake better for ourselves,” Georgia said. “There was no Town Square, nor was there a local grocery store.”
But Georgia’s service doesn’t stop with the military. Georgia served as a City of Southlake SPIN representative in the 1990s and was integral in the planning for turning the Town Hall development into the thriving environment it is today.
In 2016, he was recognized with a Presidential Service Award for his volunteer service with the City of Southlake.
As part of the Metroport Rotary Club, Georgia served in office positions, helping to raise over $300,000 in scholarships for local high school graduates and over $70,000 for local charities. His work as the 2005-2006 sponsorship chair for Southlake’s 50th Anniversary Celebration helped raise funds for City of Southlake Parks and Recreation projects.
Georgia is a graduate of the Southlake Citizens Leadership Academy and the Citizens On Patrol Southlake program, where he created and staffed the bicycle patrol. He also served on the City of Southlake Public Safety Department’s Citizens Association’s board.
For the past several months, Georgia has worked with the City of Southlake to establish more recognition for Southlake veterans.
“I’m trying to help the vets who are coming home from Afghanistan get the recognition they deserve instead of a cold shoulder,” he said. “I do it because I live here in Southlake and because it is what every citizen should do wherever they live, to make it better for the generations coming behind them. You might say it’s part of your civic duty.”
The City of Southlake is proud to recognize Georgia for his service to the country and to the Southlake community.
In honor of Veterans Day, the City of Southlake has placed yellow ribbons around Family Park in front of Town Hall and lit the fountain green to celebrate our community veterans. We ask that you consider changing the color of your porch lights to green this evening in recognition of our community veterans.
Interested in following in Georgia’s footsteps and serving the Southlake community? Learn more about serving on a City of Southlake board or commission or find more volunteer opportunities at www.VolunteerSouthlake.com.
The City of Southlake takes pride in employing world class employees who not only serve our community, but have served the entire country.
Meet our veterans, Engineering Inspector Julio Reyna III and Public Works Senior Equipment Operator Jason Camblin.
Both individuals served in the U.S. Army, Reyna for four years and Camblin served for 14 years.
Transitioning from the milita
ry to civilian life may have its challenges, however, the values remain the same.
“I continue to use values such as Loyalty, Duty, Respect and Integrity to better serve the citizens of Southlake,” Reyna explained.
Camblin also uses the values of Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity and Personal Courage that were instilled in him while serving in the military and applies them in his service to the Southlake community.
When asked what Veterans Day means to them, Reyna and Camblin shared their thoughts.
“Honor, Sacrifice and Pride; it’s a day of appreciation for the people who served before me, during the time I was able to serve and those serving after me,” said Reyna.
Camblin defines Veterans Day as the “duty to the American way of life.”
To date, the City of Southlake employs 31 veterans.
Thank you for your service and for continuing to serve the citizens of Southlake.
Milton Blake is a beloved and long-time resident of the Southlake community. He and his late wife, Beverly Blake, relocated to Southlake 15 years ago from Chicago to live near his daughter, Robin Cornish and her late husband Frank Cornish.
Blake and his wife were both active members in the community. She served as the Senior Advisor Commission chair while he actively participates in the Mayor’s Alliance for Unity and Culture.
Before he and his family decided to make Southlake home, Blake was a very active member of the military. He served 32 years in the U.S. Army.
Blake always knew he was destined to serve. When he was a young boy, he participated in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. As a teenager, he participated in JROTC and eventually became commander of his high school unit.
After high school, Blake attended Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois. He graduated in 1957, which is the same year he was drafted to the U.S. Army.
He attended basic training in Colorado at Fort Carson and was quickly promoted to trainee leader for his platoon.
He was later transferred to Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland where he worked in construction drafting, which included weapon plans. While he was there, Blake was recommended to participate in a post soldier competition, a contest where the top performers compete against other units. Blake won.
Not to long after his victory, Blake enrolled into cadet school at Fort Benning, Georgia and graduated as second lieutenant in 1959.
Following graduation, he transferred to Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri where he continued to train troops for six months.
His expertise in training others led him to working for the Army’s training division.
Blake traveled to various states to train troops for the remainder of his career. He moved through the ranks as company commander, battalion executive officer, battalion commander and concluded his career in the G-2 (intelligence) unit. He retired as a lieutenant colonel.
After retirement, Blake returned to his childhood roots in Chicago and worked for the Reserve Office Association where he presented awards to high performing JROTC units at local high schools.
As things started to slow down, Blake and his wife, decided to make Southlake their second home for years to come. Blake lost his wife in August 2019. They were married 59 years. They have two children together, daughter Robin Cornish, and late son Milton Blake Jr., as well as five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Blake summed up what Veterans Day means to him in just a few words.
“It’s a celebration of patriotism and celebration of veterans and armed forces, he said. “Today they are honored for their services.”
If you happen to see Blake, be sure to thank him for his service.
Honor. Courage. Commitment.
Before becoming the director of Public Works for the City of Southlake in 2016, Robert Cohen dedicated 20 years of service to the United States Navy – and brought its core values with him to serve Southlake.
Cohen has delivered services across the globe and continues to foster a culture of superior performance, customer service, accountability, and integrity with the 69 employees under his direction in Public Works.
“Having a career in Southlake means that I get to work alongside passionate professionals who have dedicated their lives to serving Southlake. I am truly honored and humbled to have the opportunity and privilege to work with, for and alongside dedicated teams of true professionals who bring their best to Southlake every day; at every event, for every reason and in any season,” stated Cohen.
Patriotism has laid the foundation for Cohen’s path to military service. Having grown up in a community near several major military installations and a military family, Cohen knew he wanted to become part of what he believed was a very elite organization comprised of disciplined individuals protecting freedom and democracy.
Cohen was commissioned in the Navy upon his college graduation and went on to hold roles in public works, program, asset and facilities management, and capital improvements within the Navy while achieving the rank of commander. He also obtained his professional engineer’s license, became a trained financial specialist, and was a member of the Department of Defense’s (DoD) Acquisition Corps and a Certified DoD Level II Facility Engineer.
With military experiences as diverse as the positions he has held, a few notable examples include his accountability for a multi-million dollar global energy program, a sweeping shore installation reorganization that integrated 130+ full-time employees from three separate organizations, and resolution of an overseas drinking water treatment issue that ended up saving the Navy $4 million. Cohen also received a Letter of Commendation from the Navy’s senior legal service admiral for saving $200,000 associated with a courtroom renovation project.
Looking for more continuity and less change in his career, Cohen decided to step away from the military.
“I saw many commonalities between serving in the Navy and pursuing a municipal career. I felt that the transition would be somewhat easier if my new career would be similar to what I gravitated toward while in the military, such as public works, said Cohen. “I am a servant leader and wanted to serve a population in the many facets of public works, but on a much smaller scale. I enjoy serving people and if at all possible, working alongside others for a common cause.”
Now, as the director of Public Works for the City of Southlake, Cohen continues to use his extensive military experiences to deliver municipal services. He leads a department that provides public services through planning, engineering, constructing, inspecting, operating, and maintaining Southlake’s public infrastructure. At the helm of a department that manages a $40 million capital improvement program, he guides the oversight of numerous contracts for services as well as inter-local agreements and ensures the department’s responsibility for the environmental protection of the City’s creeks and streams.
“Leading a department responsible for mobility, construction, water, and sewer in the City can be stressful at times, but I imagine Rob’s rigorous military training is the reason why he has been able to stay calm and set priorities to accomplish big results,” said Assistant City Manager Ben Thatcher.
Cohen is one of 35 military veterans employed by the City of Southlake. Veterans Day serves as a humble reminder to recognize and celebrate the brave men and women who have served our country.
“With more than 30 military veterans on our team, we fully appreciate the value they bring to Southlake,” stated City Manager Shana Yelverton. One of the best things about working with Rob and all of our veterans is their willingness to adapt to changing circumstances.”
At the Tuesday November 1st, 2016 City Council meeting, Mayor Laura Hill honored our servicemen and servicewomen with the proclamation below.
November 11th has long held a cherished place in the heart of every American. From the inauguration of this treasured holiday in 1918, Americans have recognized the sacrifices made by our military. Known originally as Armistice Day (a day of peace), after WWI, President Wilson declared November 11th to be a day of reflection. President Eisenhower later issued the first Veterans Day Proclamation encompassing all military conflicts and acknowledging every military member who has served. He wrote, “…let us solemnly remember the sacrifices of all those who fought so valiantly, on the seas, in the air, and on foreign shores, to preserve our heritage of freedom,…let us reconsecrate ourselves to the task of promoting an enduring peace so that their efforts shall not have been in vain.”
Whereas, since the humble beginnings of our independence; courageous Americans have stepped forward to protect this country, and promote our ideals. The liberty that we, as US citizens, enjoy comes at a price paid by these valiant men and women; and,
Whereas, we recognize the sacrifice of those who have served in defense of this nation and the loved ones who stand beside them, memorializing the heroes who gave the ultimate sacrifice and all those who have not returned home; and,
Whereas, the City of Southlake has among its citizens, volunteers and employees, individuals who have served in the United States Armed Forces; and,
Whereas, we are reminded of our obligation to them; to serve our veterans as they have gallantly served us; and as we gather here today, let us not forget that freedom is never free, and our nation and our community is evermore indebted for their courageous service, now,
Therefore, I, Mayor Laura Hill, on behalf of the City Council, do hereby recognize November 11, 2016, as Veterans Day.
The Carroll Dragons honored America’s Military Heroes in grand fashion this Veterans Day. Nearly every campus hosted patriotic assemblies Monday, Nov. 11, with the exception of Walnut Grove Elementary School and Rockenbaugh Elementary School. Walnut Grove hosted their Veterans Day event Friday, Nov. 8 and Rockenbaugh will host their celebration on Thursday, Nov. 14.
Many of the elementary campuses included performances from third and fourth grade students. Highlights include student choirs and in a unique show of patriotism, students and Old Union showed off their fancy footwork with an athletic routine set to patriotic music.
Students in the middle grades were treated to various guest speakers, some included older veterans who spoke of the historical significance of the military. One Dragon parent, in active military spoke with students at Eubanks Intermediate and Dawson Middle School in separate assemblies via Skype. U.S. Navy Captain, Johnny Marshall is the father of Jake (EIS) and Zach (DMS) Marshall. Capt. Marshall spoke to students from his location in the Horn of Africa.
Carroll Senior High School and Carroll High School featured performances by the Dragon Band. CHS student Sophia Formella sang the National Anthem to begin the Veterans Day assembly. Student Chris Weisberg played Taps to a standing crowd, marking the end of the Veterans Day event at CSHS.
A photo slideshow of Veterans Day events across Carroll ISD is featured below.